We had the good fortune of connecting with Stevie Aldrich and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stevie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I never set out to be a salon owner. I’m a perfectly capable leader, but my passions always lie with hands-on work. I stumbled into self-employment when my salon shifted from commission-based to booth rental, and it’s the best move my career has ever taken. Managing all aspects of my business without the distraction of micromanaging a team is exactly how I want to provide my services as a hair artist. So, there wasn’t much thought process there.

When I began my writing career, I knew I wanted a similar structure. The freedom to make my own choices and schedules was irresistible, so I chose to freelance rather than commit to corporate. With previous experience as a small-business owner, it felt right.

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Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Working as a hair artist and creative blog writer might help me pay the bills, but I’m quick to engage in almost any artistic activity. I’m an awful singer, but I belt my favorite songs in the car. I haven’t sculpted anything substantial in years, but I never shy away from building a snowman. I took every art class my college offered and even sold a painting at an art show.

I avoided my calling as a creative writer for a while, instead falling in love with sculpting and painting hair, but I finally caved. I wrote a book and went back to school. I never knew I wanted to do hair, but I always knew I wanted to write. For that reason, my adventures in creative writing will always take first priority over working with hair, but I dare you to keep me away from salon life.

My dream as a kid was to write, so finishing a book felt surreal. I self-published 10 copies, so it wasn’t a huge release, but it’s certainly one less item on my bucket list. After that, writing in other arenas felt easy. The writing process has taught me so much about life. You aren’t a writer if you can’t take/give constructive criticism, and I apply that to work and life. Rejection and failure are temporary things, I’m building on those events until I reach my final draft of success.

Everyone knows me for being colorful. I’ve spent my hair career focused on vivid colors, and whether I’m writing fiction or nonfiction, my writing is colorful too. My art, in all of its forms, is meant to take people out of the mundane and every day. I want to show people the magical and bizarre side of existence. It’s a big idea, I know, but why not? Hair, like tattoos, is a form of expression for everyone in my chair. My personal blog, Wonders On Mars, shows introverts how to live like the best parts of extroverts. My professional blogs connect everyday ideas with real human experiences.

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If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m in love with food, but I hate eating at restaurants. My friend will experience all of my favorite DoorDash spots instead. I recently became obsessed with Playa Bowls and Beard Papa’s, not to mention my regular order from Cheba Hut. Otherwise, I’m splurging on sushi. I don’t drink, so my friend will enjoy a sober week (unless they’re willing to explore themselves).

My personal blog (WondersOnMars.com) features cool things to do in town for introverts, so you could say I specialize in experiences. A recent trip I took was to Spectra Art Space. They have a traditional art gallery with a bar near the back, but I love their space for the immersive experience that works creepy and magical characters into bright lights and disco balls. The Denver Art Museum is two buildings of mesmerizing art from everywhere and everyone: it’s a must. Most of Denver knows about Meow Wolf by now, but anyone visiting needs to put this at the top of their to-do list. They occasionally host concerts, but it’s their otherworldly space maze that’ll get you lost (figuratively and literally).

Events and activities that require exploration and learning are the most attractive, but sometimes it’s just fun to grab a friend and visit a smash room or art walk. Depending on the time of year, I will drag anyone within reach to a haunted tour.

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The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, I have to give my mom a shoutout. She trusted me with her hair while I was in cosmetology school, and she read every draft of my novel while I spent years writing and editing. I’m constantly exploring new careers, moving to new states, and investing in new hobbies, and she’s always the first to support my choices.

Second, Jenny Sanchez. Her support has shown up in every corner of my life. As a friend, she’s pushed me to enjoy life and say yes to every adventure. As a business partner, she’s given me the space to grow my business as a hair artist and a content writer.

Lastly, Sonia Nordmeyer. No matter what I’m working on, she finds a way to set me up for success. She was the first person to give me a chance as a writer, and she continues to give me the freedom to push my limits.

Website: https://wondersonmars.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviecolors/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevie-aldrich-5a030871/

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Image Credits
Stevie Aldrich

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